Paulett Simunich

Paulett Simunich decorates chicken and goose eggs in the traditional Ukrainian style that her grandmother learned from her family while living in the Carpathian Mountains. After immigrating to America Paulett’s grandmother continued this tradition, passing it on to her mother, and then to Paulett. Paulett teaches the technique throughout the community, along with the meanings of the symbolism behind the intricate designs.

“At age eight, I remember my Baba and my Mom by the coal stove, concentrating on their eggs, working from a simple handmade tool and melted beeswax in a small metal can. I was mesmerized by their quick rhythmic strokes. I watched and listened to my Baba’s words, spoken in her native language of Carpathian Rusyn. My turn arrived the following year when I was finally tall enough to stand by the stove and dip into the wax safely. Little did I know 40 to 50 years from the first time I grasped a kitska, the little girl inside me would still be involved in showing and teaching the folk art so near and dear to my heart “